Lester Spell is a sixth-generation Mississippian whose family has farmed and been in the farming business in the state since 1865. Growing up, Spell was very active in 4-H programs, and this early interest led him to Mississippi State University for pre-veterinary studies. From there it was on to Auburn University where he received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. After serving two years in the Army as a captain, where he supervised inspection of perishable food sent to Vietnam, Spell returned to Mississippi. There, he began his veterinary practice, resumed farming, and oversaw the family’s timber and wildlife management programs. In 1975, he was elected mayor of his hometown of Richland, a position he held until 1996, prior to being elected Commissioner of Agriculture. Agriculture is Mississippi’s largest industry, with a direct economic impact of $4.5 billion, $16 billion when you include industries that depend on agriculture. As Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Lester Spell has led the way in modernizing the department to become a model for state agencies. The agency is producing more with fewer people, has upgraded equipment and now has complete automation of information services. He is leading the department and Mississippi agriculture into the 21st century. Commissioner Spell was recently elected president of the Southern United States States Trade Association, an organization of 15 states that promote the export of high-value food and agricultural products from the southern United States to overseas markets. He is past president of the Mississippi Municipal Association, Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Mississippi Veterinary Medicine Association, and the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce. Lester Spell currently serves as chairman of the Mississppi Fair Commission, Central Farmers Market Board, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, and other boards of agricultural and economic development organizations. He also serves as an adult leader for a Boy Scout troop. Commissioner Spell resides in Richland, MS with his wife Sandra and children Jason and Katie.